“The freedom of Black people is a big American question – can those two things coexist? Can the United States of America, as we know it, coexist with true Black freedom? It's a constant fight, and I don't think many people in this country are very free.” – Phillip Agnew

It’s easy to complain about people and policies on the other side of the political aisle. But what do you do when you have disagreements with your political allies – the people with whom your goals are the same, but your strategies are different?

This week, Van Jones sits down with Phillip Agnew, founder of Black Men Build. Phillip challenges Van on his decision to form an alliance with the Trump Administration and other Republicans to reform the criminal justice system. Van questions Phillip on his stated commitment to abolishing the prison system in its present form. In exploring this tricky territory, the two long-time activists examine paths to racial justice that are both complementary and conflictual.

Learn more about Black Men Build at their website: blackmen.build

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail telling us how you would fix (or do away with) the justice system. Your question or comment will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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